Genesis 43:22

KJV

And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.

KJV (with Strong's)

And other {H312} money {H3701} have we brought down {H3381} in our hands {H3027} to buy {H7666} food {H400}: we cannot tell {H3045} who put {H7760} our money {H3701} in our sacks {H572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

moreover, we have brought down other money to buy food. We have no idea who put our money in our packs."

Berean Standard Bible

We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.”

American Standard Version

And other money have we brought down in our hand to buy food: we know not who put our money in our sacks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 43:22](/genesis/43-22 "Genesis 43:22 KJV") captures the brothers' earnest explanation to Joseph's steward regarding the mysterious return of their money during their first trip to Egypt. They declare they have brought new funds for food and genuinely cannot account for who placed the original money back in their sacks, highlighting their desire for honesty amidst their apprehension.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated during a severe famine that compelled Jacob to send his sons to Egypt for provisions, unaware that the powerful governor they would encounter was his own son Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years prior. On their initial journey, Joseph, orchestrating a divine plan and testing his brothers, secretly had their money returned to their sacks, a discovery that filled them with dread and confusion, fearing it was a trap or an accusation of theft ([Genesis 42:27](/genesis/42-27 "Discovery of money in sacks") and [Genesis 42:35](/genesis/42-35 "Money found in sacks")). Prior to their second trip, Jacob instructed them to take double money, including the returned funds, to give back ([Genesis 43:11](/genesis/43-11 "Jacob's instructions for the second journey")). Here, upon their arrival in Egypt and before meeting Joseph again, the brothers proactively address the perplexing situation with his steward, emphasizing their sincere desire to be perceived as honest men.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse presents the brothers' two-fold explanation to Joseph's steward: "And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks." The first part clarifies their legitimate purpose for returning to Egypt—to purchase more food, for which they have brought additional funds. This establishes their intent as honest merchants. The second, more crucial part, addresses the perplexing issue of the returned money. The Hebrew phrase translated "**cannot tell**" (_lo' yada'nu 'anu_) conveys their complete ignorance and genuine bewilderment. It is a statement of absolute lack of knowledge, not an evasion, underscoring their earnestness in trying to explain the situation.

This proactive admission reveals a significant shift in the brothers' character. Unlike their past deception concerning Joseph's disappearance, where they fabricated a story to deceive their father, here they are transparent and anxious to rectify a perceived wrong. Their fear of being accused of theft or wrongdoing, especially in a foreign land where their lives depend on the governor's favor, motivates their immediate and sincere attempt to explain the situation and clear their names. This moment highlights their vulnerability and their newfound commitment to integrity, even in the face of confusing and potentially dangerous circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Integrity and Honesty:** The brothers' immediate attempt to return the money and their open admission of ignorance demonstrate a significant shift in their character, _contrasting sharply_ with their past deception concerning Joseph's fate ([Genesis 37:31](/genesis/37-31 "Brothers' deception about Joseph")). Their fear of accusation underscores a newfound desire to maintain their reputation and act righteously.
* **Divine Providence and Unseen Hand:** While the brothers are utterly perplexed by the returned money, the reader understands this is Joseph's doing, part of God's _intricate plan_ to bring about reconciliation and preserve the family. This mysterious circumstance serves to test the brothers and advance God's purposes, illustrating how God works all things for good, even through confusing or challenging situations ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's statement on God's purpose")).
* **Fear and Uncertainty:** The phrase "we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks" conveys _genuine bewilderment and anxiety_. The brothers are in a vulnerable position, dependent on Egypt for survival, and this unexpected complication adds to their stress, especially given Joseph's stern demeanor during their first encounter. Their fear highlights the human experience of navigating unknown circumstances.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful lesson on the importance of integrity, even when circumstances are confusing or appear unfavorable. The brothers chose to be honest, demonstrating a desire to do what is right, despite the potential risks and their genuine bewilderment. For believers today, it serves as a reminder to prioritize honesty in all dealings, upholding integrity even in small matters or when no one seems to be watching, as a testament to one's character and faith. Furthermore, like the brothers who were unaware of Joseph's orchestrations, we often face situations that are confusing or unsettling. This passage encourages us to trust that **God's unseen hand** is at work, guiding events for His ultimate good, even when His methods are mysterious and we cannot discern His full purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God working all things for good")). Their admission of ignorance and their willingness to correct a perceived wrong also reflects a humility that is commendable and necessary for personal growth and reconciliation.

### FAQ
**Why were the brothers so worried about the returned money?**

Answer: The brothers were deeply concerned because finding the money in their sacks made them appear as thieves. In a foreign land, dependent on the Egyptian governor for food, an accusation of theft could have severe consequences, including imprisonment or even death. They feared it was a trap or a pretext to enslave them, especially after Joseph's initially stern reception.

**What does the phrase "we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks" reveal about the brothers?**

Answer: This phrase reveals their genuine bewilderment and their desire for honesty. It's not an evasion but a sincere admission of ignorance. It demonstrates a significant shift in their character from their earlier deceptive actions concerning Joseph, highlighting their newfound commitment to integrity, even in a vulnerable position.

**Was Joseph's act of secretly returning the money deceptive or manipulative?**

Answer: From the brothers' perspective, it was confusing and alarming. From Joseph's perspective, and within the divine narrative, it was part of a complex test designed to assess his brothers' character, humility, and remorse. It was an act of divine providence, orchestrated to bring about their repentance, reconciliation, and the ultimate preservation of their family, rather than a malicious deception.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, culminating in this moment of their sincere desire for honesty and their bewilderment at unseen forces, powerfully prefigures Christ's redemptive work. Just as Joseph, though rejected and sold by his brothers, became the means of their salvation and sustenance in a time of famine, so Christ, rejected and crucified, became the ultimate provider of spiritual life and reconciliation. The brothers' journey from deception to seeking integrity, and their reliance on a seemingly stern but ultimately benevolent authority figure (Joseph), mirrors humanity's journey from sin to repentance and reliance on Christ. The mysterious hand of providence, working through bewildering circumstances to achieve a greater good, points to God's sovereign plan in Christ to bring salvation and transform hearts, providing the **true Bread of Life** to a world in spiritual famine ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.